computer reprogramming ?

[31sonic]

has anyone tried the various re-programming of their computers that are available for the h3's? and what improvements have they noticed ?

[ChevyHighPerformance]

I done my own using HPTuners and I also tested a tune from PCM for Less. PCM for Less does a good job. I saw increased MPG, better power, smoother idle, firmer shifts, etc.

[cnynctry]

I agree with ChevyHighPerformance. My PCMforless makes I big difference. Especially in initial takeoff power.

[f5fstop]

Hurry up, it appears the new Tech Tool GM is going to release next year, just may see any non-GM programs.

Okay so here is the first of many novice questions.

How does one re-program the truck? Start to finish.
What is used to do it, and where do you get it? And/or the software to do it with?
Price?

Can anyone do it, or does it have to be by someone who knows the system?
If anyone can do it, Can you screw up the truck's so-called brain if you make a mistake?

What specific programs do you want to change or modify?
Engine horsepower? Limiter? Fuel efficiency? Diable Airbag system 'SRS', for off-roading? etc...

[ChevyHighPerformance]

Originally Posted by Lex_Ordo

Okay so here is the first of many novice questions.

How does one re-program the truck? Start to finish.
What is used to do it, and where do you get it? And/or the software to do it with?
Price?

Can anyone do it, or does it have to be by someone who knows the system?
If anyone can do it, Can you screw up the truck's so-called brain if you make a mistake?

What specific programs do you want to change or modify?
Engine horsepower? Limiter? Fuel efficiency? Diable Airbag system 'SRS', for off-roading? etc...

Custom tune business: http://www.pcmforless.com/

Want to do the tune yourself and buy the equipment ($499): http://www.hptuners.com/

The equipment consists of a an interface box with two cables. One connects to your laptop via USB, and the other cable gets plugged into the diagnostic port (under the dash near your left knee). The software is in two parts: PCM editor/programmer and an OBDII reader.

You buy licenses (for an individual PCM or for the entire year of that vehicle) for the vehicles you want to tune based on a credit system. Your initial purchase includes credits enough for a few cars.

First, you'll read in the stock program, then modify the tables, constants, etc., and finally write it back to your PCM. you can do this as many times as you want. I've tweaked my H3's programming at least 30 times. You can always go back to stock by just writing back your stock program (if you are concerned about dealer visits).

You'll need to do some research before you do a tune. You can easily screw things up and there is no safety net. Tuning involves modifying tables that govern timing, fuel, idle, knock retard, auto tranny shift points, TC lock up, etc. Here is one of my articles that will give you some insight about tuning. http://www.chevyhiperformance.com/te...rtrain_module/

This article is just an introduction and by no means complete.

Even though I've tuned many vehicles, every vehicle is a little different. PCMforLess shared their tune with me. The tune is well done and I leanred a thing or two from it.

This seems very complex, and without someone to show me step by step, I'd be working with it for hours. I'd proably change one of the engine components, and end up in a real fickle.

[Urban Ops]

Originally Posted by f5fstop

Hurry up, it appears the new Tech Tool GM is going to release next year, just may see any non-GM programs.

Is this a bad idea in your professional opinion?

[H3.007]

Originally Posted by Urban Ops

Is this a bad idea in your professional opinion?

I would like to do this as well, but not if I am going to be getting grief concering the warranty, etc.

[Xotik H3]

Anyone who installs an aftermarket tune should know that when you take your car in for serivce, GM will flash the computer back to stock.

When you get the vehicle home you will probably have to reinstall the tune, but it is worth it.

If you put an exhaust and intake on the H3, you will see better HP/ Torque increases after the tune. With better enigne efficiency you can run more Spark advance, and a mixure more rich than stock. All the items listed in this will give you better economy than the 07 I5, and more power.

And if anyone has any doubt, I will have the above on my H3 in the next month... bring your stock 07 H3, and a friend in another car... I will race you for pinks and leave you standing at the track... your buddy will be there for your ride home.

[Hunner]

Originally Posted by Xotik H3

Anyone who installs an aftermarket tune should know that when you take your car in for serivce, GM will flash the computer back to stock.

When you get the vehicle home you will probably have to reinstall the tune, but it is worth it.

If you put an exhaust and intake on the H3, you will see better HP/ Torque increases after the tune. With better enigne efficiency you can run more Spark advance, and a mixure more rich than stock. All the items listed in this will give you better economy than the 07 I5, and more power.

And if anyone has any doubt, I will have the above on my H3 in the next month... bring your stock 07 H3, and a friend in another car... I will race you for pinks and leave you standing at the track... your buddy will be there for your ride home.

I was concerned this would or could happen. Im not sure what they would say if you just told them that you have done that. Warranty? But, My dealer even said they offered a pcm reprogram. I bought mine from Alvin at PCM for less outright and kept my stock one. Now I don't have that problem and it has improved performance of the installed mods I have already done.

[Xotik H3]

According to SuperChips and other programmer sites, installing an aftermarket tune does not void a warrenty. As you mentioned, the dealer will reinstall the fatory tune everytime you take it to them... as a rule of thumb that is.